What is house dust?
Rather than a single substance, so-called house dust is a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics; cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials; dander from cats, dogs, and other animals; bacteria; mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas); food particles; bits of plants and insects; and other allergens peculiar to an individual home.
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What is dust mite allergy?
House dust also contains microscopic mites. These mites, which live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, thrive in summer and die in winter. In a warm, humid house, however, they continue to thrive even in the coldest months. The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their waste-products. These waste-products, which are proteins, actually provoke the allergic reaction. Waste products of cockroaches are also an important cause of allergy symptoms from household allergens, particularly in more urban areas.
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How come although we keep our homes cleaner, we seem to have more people who suffer with allergies today?
Dust mite allergies seem to be on the increase, possibly because of changes in housing styles - tight, energy-efficient homes with decreased ventilation and increased humidity, the presence of wall-to-wall carpeting, and the use of cool water wash cycles for bedding - which can encourage the survival of the mites.
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Wouldn't an air cleaner be more effective?
Very small air cleaners cannot remove dust and pollen--and no air purifier can prevent viral or bacterial diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Buyers of electrostatic precipitators should compare the machine's ozone output with Federal standards. Ozone can irritate the nose and airways of persons with allergies, especially those with asthma, and can increase the allergy symptoms. Other kinds of air filters such as HEPA filters do not release ozone into the air. HEPA filters, however, require adequate air flow to force air through them.

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How do you control dust and dust mites?
The air in your house is recirculated continuously. Without proper air filtration, you expose yourself to two heaping teaspoonsful of foreign particulates each day, greatly increasing your chances of becoming ill. Air filtration removes other allergens as well, making it a very important step in creating a more healthful environment. The most efficient method to control dander allergies is to install a disposable BON-AIRE ALLERGEN Whole House Filter on your central air supply to filter molecules to microns and provide anti-microbial protection.